The Optoelectronics Research Centre secures Major EPSRC Grant for Cutting-Edge Silicon Photonics Research
The Optoelectronics Research Centre at the University of Southampton has been awarded a prestigious grant from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) for its groundbreaking project, EPICAL: Efficient Silicon Optical Modulators. Led by Professor Goran Mashanovich, a leading expert in silicon photonics, the research aims to revolutionise optical communication technology by developing highly efficient and compact silicon-based optical modulators.
Optical modulators are critical components in high-speed data transmission, enabling the conversion of electrical signals into optical signals for faster and more energy-efficient communication. The EPICAL project will leverage advanced silicon photonics techniques to improve the performance of these modulators, addressing the increasing demand for high-bandwidth, low-power solutions in applications such as data centres, telecommunications, autonomous vehicles, and quantum computing.
Professor Mashanovich, a renowned researcher in the field, emphasised the importance of the project: “The EPICAL initiative represents a significant step forward in silicon photonics, pushing the boundaries of what is possible with optical modulators. By integrating innovative materials and fabrication techniques, we aim to enhance efficiency while ensuring scalability and cost-effectiveness.”
The research will focus on integrating silicon photonic devices with barium titanate (BaTiO3), a material known for its strong electro-optic properties, allowing for improved modulation speeds and lower power consumption. The project is expected to lead to significant advancements in optical communication technologies, paving the way for faster, more efficient, and sustainable data networks.
The University of Southampton, home to the ORC, one of the world’s leading photonics research centres, provides an ideal environment for the project. Researchers will have access to state-of-the-art cleanroom facilities and world-class expertise, fostering innovation and collaboration across multiple disciplines.